Timer mounting for washing machines



Jan. 21, 1941. H, w. ALTORFER 2,229,270

TIMER IGUNTING FOR WASHING MACHINES vFiled April 6, i939 2 smeg-sheet 2 /effy@ lor er Patented Jan. 21, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE nem-y w. Alarm, Peoria, m. appueaaunapru s, 193s. serial N0. 266,283

s claims. (ci. ss-1s) This invention relates to a novel method of :fighting a timer` on a domestic washing ma- The timers referred to are clock-like time l switches which can be set by the operator to interrupt the electric circuit to the motor and *thus stop operation of the washer. Such timers serve a useful purpose in permitting the'operator to go about other duties without requiring special attention to the time of the washing cycle.

Heretofore such timers have been mounted on the base ofthe washer below the tub. In this position no special arrangements are necessary for mounting the timer because no problem out- 13 side of simple mechanics is involved. However,

this low position of the timer is rather awkward for the operator as'it requires her to stoop or 'squat in order to manipulateand see the ltimer setting.

.This objection-isA obvious but designers were lseemingly limited to the below the tub location because of the dimculties of mounting the timer higher on the tub. The timer being contained in a rather thick clocklike'casa would protrude 'awkwardly outward if mounted on the tub; the

timer case not being tight must be protected from wash water and dampness; and the elec- Htrical wire leads coming from the timer must be protected from shorts by both mechanical i l and water damage. Although timers have been rather attractive and good-looking,naturally having deiinlte display and sales 1 appeal, these dliiiculties as outlined have had the effect oi limiting the location oi timers to any other 1o cation than on the washer tub where they could ,be displayed and used to the best advantage.

The particularobject o! this invention isto provide a mounting for a clock timervwherein the timer could be set on the upper section of the tub with its face approximately ilush with the outside of the tub and the timer proper exerding inward within the normal outline of the Another object is to provide a timer mounting 45 on the tub of a washing machine wherein the electrical lead wires from the timer would be completely enclosed and protected from damage. A still further object is to provide in a timer moimting a mounting bracketthat would be mechanically eiIective to accomplish the above objects and would also enhance the' appearance and decorative value et the timer.

be disclosed Other objects and benets will in the following descriptions and drawings in which:

Fig. 1 'is a general front isometric view showing the timer mounted on the tub of a` domestic washing machine;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the timer and mounting as it would appear on the section lines 2-2 o! Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a rear elevation view. of the timer and mounting as shown in Fig. 2.; 1

Fig. 4 is a crosshsectional lview of the timer,

mounting bracket, and control wires as they would appear on thesection linesl-iof Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the corner of the timer and mounting bracket as it would appear onv the section lines 5 5 of Fig. 3.

Now referring to Fig. 1, it will be instantly apparent that my timer is mounted at the most convenient and logicalzlocation with the timer 'face approximately iiush with the outer surface of the tub lli. Located as it is near the top -of the, tub, the vtimer is easy to manipulate by the operator and the general appearance of themachine is enhanced by the timer mounted as it is in the supporting bracket. I'his is accomplished by insetting the timer within the tub, as will hereinafter be disclosed.

The tub III is mounted on a base I`I with the Joint between the tub and base covered by a hollow trim bead I 2.

Now'referring particularly to Figs. 2, 3 and 4, the timer I3 is mounted within a timer case and consists of a more or less conventional structure involvingclock mechanism and a throw-out switch. The face of the timer I5 with the control button Il is constructed in a manner whereby the timer I3 is clamped securely to the supporting bracket 2li, as. shown. This is accomplished in yvarious ways and will not be described in further detail. Extending outward from the timer are lead wires I8 which connect to the service cord and drive motor oi the washer, not shown; With the timer clamped -in the mounting bracket 2li, as described, a seal shell I1 with a I8 is inserted within the opening in the 4 gasket tub being clamped and sealed securely in place by means of the bolts I9 and the interposed gasket I8. It vwill beobvious that by this structure wash water is eiiectively sealed from contact with either the timer or the control wires and although the timer is inset within 'the tub, it is completely sealed from all contact with wash water.

Leaving the timer I3, the control wires I6 -are fled downward through the hollow extension oi' the bracket 2l, as clearlyshown in Fig. 4. When the wires come to the juncture of the .tub III and base Il they are led inward within the base and thence tothe service cord and motor, as before described. By this structure the wires are completely encased and protected against damage or shorts. Further, it will be appreciated that by this structure I provide 'some ventilation to the interior and a ready drain for any condensationwhich sometimes occurs in such closures.

By the above structure both the timer and the control wires are completely protected although the timer is inset -within the tub and located near to the top of the tub at the most convenient and decorative location. Although I have described the timer as beingmounted approximate- 1y ilush, it will be appreciated that any partial insetting will be proportionately helpful. vThe operator may quickly and easily set .the timer for any desired washing cycle and thereafter 'the time of washing is controlled automatically.

Having thus described my invention,

I claim: v

1. In combination with a domestic 'washing machine having an exposedtub, a clock timer,

motor control wires attached to said timer, anl

2. In combination with a domestic washing i machine having an exposed tub, a base supporting said tub, a clock timer, motor-control wires attached to said timer, an opening in the tub to accommodate approximately flush insertion of said timer within the tub. means to enclose and seal said timer against wash water in the tub, and bracket trimimeans supporting said timer and extending downward outside the tub over the joint of the tub and base, said bracket concealing the motor control wires from the timer as they extend from the. timer to within the base.

3. In combination with a domestic washing machine having an exposed tub, a clock timer,

motor control wires attached to said timer, means to inset said timer within the tub to permit approximately flush mounting with the outside of the tub, means to seal said timer from wash water in the tub, a-nd bracket trim means on the outside of the tub mounting said timer, said bracket concealing the lead wires from the timer.

4. In combination with a domestic washing machine having an exposed tub, a base supporting said tub, a clock timer, motor control wires attached to said timer, means to inset said timer within the tub to permit approximately iiush mounting with the outside of the tub, means to seal said timer from wash water in the tub, and bracket trim means mounting said timer and extending downward outside the tub over the joint of the tub and base, said bracket concealing the motor control wires from the timer to Within the base.

5. In combination with a domestic washing machine having an exposed tub. a clock timer, motor control wires attached to said timer, means to inset said timerwithin the tub, means to seal said timer from wash water in the tub, and bracket trim means on the outside of the tub mounting said timer, said bracket concealing the lead wires from the timer and providing ventilation and drainage to the timer closure.

HENRY W. ALTORFER. 

